Advisory Tutorials

This has been a challenging season in many regards. Unfortunately, Taos Avalanche Center is shutting down. Thanks to all those that have supported and believed in providing avalanche education and awareness. Stay safe out in the mountains and if you ever want to talk about conditions feel free to contact me at andy@taosavalanchecenter.org or call me at 781-572-5631.

Not much new is going on with the snowpack. Any semblance of a snowpack exists above 11,000' on North aspects ranging from 2 to 12 inches. Most of this snow is just facets with the leeward sides of ridges having isolated deteriorating wind slabs. We're back to square one with no continuous snow on East, South and West facing slopes. Travel is still impossible on skis. No stability tests were conducted today, it was more about getting a better idea about the snow distribution for when it does snow again. One silver lining is that it's been fun to explore areas that are harder to get to, scouting different terrain for future skiing.

Photo 1: A dismal looking snowpack at 12,100' on a North aspect. Small facets on the bottom (1 - 2 mm) with a soft wind slab on top.

Photo 2: North facing slopes still holding snow. The photo makes it look better than it is. Anywhere from 2 to 12" of faceted snow.